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Coordinates: 46°40′51″N 9°40′33″E / 46.68083°N 9.67583°E / 46.68083; 9.67583
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{{no footnotes|date=August 2011}}
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{{Infobox bridge
{{Infobox bridge
|bridge_name = Landwasser Viaduct
|bridge_name = Landwasser Viaduct
|native_name = Landwasserviadukt
|native_name = Landwasserviadukt
|native_name_lang = de
|native_name_lang = de
|image = RhB Ge 4-4 III UNESCO Weltkulturerbe auf Landwasserviadukt.jpg
|image = RhB Ge 4-4 III UNESCO Weltkulturerbe auf Landwasserviadukt.jpg
|image_size = 350
|image_size = 260
|alt = A train crossing the viaduct.
|caption = A train crossing the viaduct
[[File:RhB Ge 4-4 II 614 Glacier Express on Landwasser Viaduct.jpg|260px|center]]
|caption = A train crossing the viaduct.
View from above
|official_name = Landwasserviadukt
|official_name = Landwasserviadukt
|other_name =
|other_name =
|carries = [[Rhaetian Railway]]
|carries = [[Rhaetian Railway|Rhaetian Railway (RhB)]]
|crosses = [[Landwasser River]]
|locale = [[Schmitten, Graubünden|Schmitten]] and [[Filisur]], [[Switzerland]]
|crosses = [[Landwasser]]
|locale = [[Schmitten, Graubünden|Schmitten]] and [[Filisur]], [[Switzerland]]
|owner = [[Rhaetian Railway]]
|owner = Rhaetian Railway (RhB)
|maint = [[Rhaetian Railway]]
|maint = Rhaetian Railway (RhB)
|id =
|id =
|designer = Alexander Acatos
|designer = Alexander Acatos
|design = [[Viaduct]]
|design = [[Viaduct]]
|material = [[Limestone]]
|material = [[Limestone]]
|length = {{convinfobox|136|m||ft}}
|length = {{convert|136|m|ft||abbr=on}}
|width =
|width =
|height = {{convinfobox|65|m||ft}}
|height = {{convert|65|m|ft||abbr=on}}
|mainspan = {{convinfobox|20|m||ft}}
|mainspan = {{convert|20|m|ft||abbr=on}}
|spans = 6
|spans = six
|pierswater =
|pierswater = 0
|load =
|load =
|clearance =
|clearance =
|below =
|below =
|life =
|life =
|builder =
|builder = Müller & Zeerleder
|fabricator =
|fabricator =
|cost = CHF 280,000 (1902)
|begin = March 1901
|begin = March 1901
|complete = 1902
|open = October 1902
|complete = 1902
|open = October 1902
|inaugurated =
|inaugurated =
|toll =
|rebuilt = 2009 renovation during full usage (CHF 4.6 Million)
|traffic =
|toll =
|preceded =
|traffic = 30 passenger trains, few freight trains
|followed =
|preceded =
|heritage =
|followed =
|collapsed =
|heritage = UNESCO World Heritage Albula Railway
|closed =
|collapsed =
|map_cue =
|closed =
|map_image =
|map_cue =
|map_alt =
|map_image =
|map_text =
|map_alt =
|map_width =
|map_text =
|coordinates = {{coord|46|40|51|N|9|40|33|E|region:CH-GR_type:landmark_source:dewiki|display=it}}
|map_width =
|lat =
|coordinates = {{coord|46|40|51|N|9|40|33|E|region:CH-GR_type:landmark_source:dewiki|display=it}}
|long =
|extra = [[File:Landwasserviadukt.jpg|thumb|center|View from above.]]
}}
}}


The '''Landwasser Viaduct''' ({{lang-de|Landwasserviadukt}}) is a single track six-arched curved [[limestone]] [[rail transport|railway]] [[viaduct]]. It spans the [[Landwasser River]] between [[Schmitten, Graubünden|Schmitten]] and [[Filisur]], in the [[Cantons of Switzerland|Canton]] of [[Graubünden]], [[Switzerland]].
The '''Landwasser Viaduct''' ({{lang-de|Landwasserviadukt}}) is a [[Single-track railway|single-track]] six-[[arch]]ed curved [[limestone]] [[rail transport|railway]] [[viaduct]]. It spans the [[Landwasser]] between [[Schmitten, Graubünden|Schmitten]] and [[Filisur]], in the [[Cantons of Switzerland|canton]] of [[Graubünden]], [[Switzerland]].


Designed by Alexander Acatos, it was built between 1901 and 1902 by Müller & Zeerleder for the [[Rhaetian Railway]], which still owns and uses it today. A signature structure of the [[World Heritage]]-listed [[Albula Railway]], it is {{convert|65|m}} high, {{convert|136|m}} long, and one of its ramps exits straight into the [[Landwasser Tunnel]].<ref name="BBC">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20140612-the-swiss-train-tourists-dont-take|title=The Swiss train tourists don’t take. National Parks, Switzerland|last=Graham|first=Adam H.|date=19 June 2014|work=[[BBC]] - Travel|accessdate=19 June 2014}}</ref>
Designed by Alexander Acatos, the Landwasser Viaduct was constructed between 1901 and 1902 by Müller & Zeerleder on behalf of the [[Rhaetian Railway]], which both owns and operates it through to the present day. A signature structure of the [[World Heritage]]-listed [[Albula Railway]], it is {{convert|65|m}} high, {{convert|136|m}} long; its southeastern abutment connects directly to the [[Landwasser Tunnel]].<ref name="BBC">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20140612-the-swiss-train-tourists-dont-take |title=The Swiss train tourists don’t take. National Parks, Switzerland |last=Graham |first=Adam H. |date=19 June 2014 |work=[[BBC]] - Travel |accessdate=19 June 2014}}</ref> During 2009, the Landwasser Viaduct underwent renovation work for the first time since its original construction.


==Description==
==Location==
[[File:Landwasserviadukt, aerial video.webm|thumbtime=1:13|thumb|left|Aerial recording of Landwasser Viaduct.]]
The Landwasser Viaduct has six arch spans {{convert|20|m}} in width, resting on five high pillars. The railway line near the viaduct has a slope of 2 percent, and in plan a circular arc with a radius of {{convert|100|m}}.
The Landwasser Viaduct, composed of dark [[limestone]], forms part of the [[Albula Railway]] section between [[Tiefencastel (Rhaetian Railway station)|Tiefencastel]] and [[Filisur (Rhaetian Railway station)|Filisur]], and is at the {{convert|63.070|km}} mark from [[Thusis (Rhaetian Railway station)|Thusis]].


To passengers on trains approaching the viaduct from Tiefencastel and [[Alvaneu]] on the Albula Railway, the viaduct becomes visible from quite some distance away. The first major feature to be reached on that approach is the [[Schmittentobel Viaduct]], which itself is of considerable size. Then, while crossing the curved Landwasser Viaduct, passengers can observe the front of the train heading into the Landwasser Tunnel.<ref name="Pinlovely"/> On the other side of the tunnel, the separate line from [[Davos Platz (Rhaetian Railway station)|Davos Platz]] forms a [[Railway junction|junction]] with the Albula Railway just as both lines arrive in Filisur. Shortly before reaching that junction point, passengers on the Davos–Filisur line can experience a view of the viaduct from the northeast.
The southeastern abutment of the viaduct is located on a high cliff, and at that point, the tracks lead directly into the {{convert|216|m}} long Landwasser Tunnel.


==Technical details==
The viaduct's masonry is approximately {{convert|9200|m3}} in volume and is jointed with [[dolomitic limestone]].<ref name="Pinlovely">{{cite web|url=http://pinlovely.com/landwasser-viaduct-graubunden-switzerland/|title=Landwasser Viaduct, Graubünden, Switzerland|year=2013|publisher=Pinlovely.com|accessdate=19 June 2014}}</ref>
One of the striking features of the Landwasser Viaduct is its highly pronounced curve, which has a radius of {{convert|100|m|0}}, the minimum used throughout the whole railway.<ref>Talbot 2012, p. 303.</ref><ref>Troyano 2003, pp. 237-238.</ref> It possesses a height of {{convert|65|m|0}} and a length of {{convert|142|m|0}}.<ref name = "myswiss">{{cite web |url = https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-gb/experiences/rhaetian-railways-landwasser-viaduct/ |title = Rhaetian Railways Landwasser Viaduct |publisher = myswitzerland.com |accessdate = 20 April 2020}}</ref> The viaduct's [[masonry]] is approximately {{convert|9200|m3|cuyd}} in volume and is jointed with [[Dolomite (mineral)|dolomitic]] [[limestone]].<ref name="Pinlovely">{{cite web|url=http://pinlovely.com/landwasser-viaduct-graubunden-switzerland/|title=Landwasser Viaduct, Graubünden, Switzerland|year=2013|publisher=Pinlovely.com|accessdate=19 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104620/http://pinlovely.com/landwasser-viaduct-graubunden-switzerland/|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> It comprises six arch spans, {{convert|20|m}} in width, resting on five high pillars; the arches themselves are flat.<ref>Troyano 2003, p. 238.</ref>


The Landwasser Viaduct carries a single railway track, which has a [[Grade (slope)|gradient]] of 2 percent across the structure. The southeastern abutment of the Landwasser Viaduct is located on a high cliff, and at that point, the tracks lead directly into the {{convert|216|m|adj=on}} long Landwasser Tunnel.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/lifestyle/travel/a27311311/bernina-express/ |title = Is the Bernina Express the most spectacular railway journey in Europe? |publisher = goodhousekeeping.com |first = Roshina |last = Jowaheer |date = 2 January 2020}}</ref> The tunnel's entrance is positioned on a vertical rock wall, having been purposefully aligned with the viaduct.<ref name = "myswiss"/> It was considered to be a challenging architectural feat of its era, and its construction employed several innovative techniques.<ref name = "myswiss"/><ref name = "isoltravel"/>
==Location==
The dark limestone-built viaduct forms part of the Albula Railway section between [[Tiefencastel (Rhaetian Railway station)|Tiefencastel]] and [[Filisur (Rhaetian Railway station)|Filisur]], and is at the {{convert|63.070|km}} mark from [[Thusis (Rhaetian Railway station)|Thusis]].


Construction of the Landwasser Viaduct commenced during 1901 and was completed during the following year.<ref name = "myswiss"/> Designed by Alexander Acatos for the Rhaetian Railway, its construction was undertaken by Müller & Zeerleder.<ref name = "isoltravel">{{cite web |url = https://www.isolatedtraveller.com/10-interesting-landwasser-viaduct-facts/ |title = Facts About Landwasser Viaduct |publisher = isolatedtraveller.com |accessdate = 20 April 2020}}</ref> The viaduct's construction was performed without the use of [[scaffolding]], instead employing two [[Crane (machine)|crane]]s.<ref name = "myswiss"/> The limestone pillars were built up around a steel-reinforced core.<ref name = "isoltravel"/> During 2009, 106 years after its completion, the masonry and track trough of the viaduct were repaired for the very first time.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/multimedia/the-glory-of-stone_the-wonders-of-the-alpine-rhaetian-railway--a-unesco-world-heritage-site/29760768 |title = The Glory of Stone |publisher = swissinfo.ch |accessdate = 20 April 2020}}</ref><ref name = "myswiss"/> To facilitate this renovation, [[Modularity|modular]] scaffolding was temporarily erected around the Landwasser Viaduct.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/38039792.pdf |first = Viunov |last = Valerii |title = Comparison of Scaffolding systems in Finland and Russia |publisher = Saimaa University of Applied Sciences |year = 2011}}</ref>
To passengers on trains approaching the viaduct from Tiefencastel and [[Alvaneu]] on the Albula Railway, the viaduct becomes visible from quite some distance away. The first major feature to be reached on that approach is the [[Schmittentobel Viaduct]], which itself is of considerable size. Then, while crossing the curved Landwasser Viaduct, passengers can observe the front of the train heading into the Landwasser Tunnel.<ref name="Pinlovely"/>

On the other side of the tunnel, the separate line from [[Davos Platz (Rhaetian Railway station)|Davos Platz]] forms a [[Railway junction|junction]] with the Albula Railway just as both lines arrive in Filisur. Shortly before reaching that junction point, passengers on the Davos–Filisur line can experience a view of the viaduct from the northeast.


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
The viaduct briefly appears as a bridge which was destroyed by [[Rasputin]]'s minions in the 1997 animated film ''[[Anastasia (1997 film)|Anastasia]]''. The portrayal was of a taller, 4-storey viaduct very similar to a [[Roman aqueduct]] but set in [[Poland]]. Since there are no tall [[viaducts in Poland]] the Landwasser viaduct acted as a perfect prototype for this fictional viaduct.
The Landwasser Viaduct briefly appears as a bridge which was destroyed by [[Rasputin]]'s minions in the 1997 animated film ''[[Anastasia (1997 film)|Anastasia]]''. The portrayal was of a taller, 4-storey viaduct very similar to a [[Roman aqueduct]] but set in [[Poland]]. It also appears within the first couple of minutes of the film “[[A Cure for Wellness]]”.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.imdb.com/search/title/?locations=Landwasser%20Viaduct,%20Filisur,%20Graub%C3%BCnden,%20Switzerland&ref_=ttloc_loc_4 |title = Filming Location Matching "Landwasser Viaduct, Filisur, Graubünden, Switzerland" (Sorted by Popularity Ascending) |publisher = imdb.com |accessdate = 20 April 2020}}</ref> Since 2008, the cultural importance of the railway, and features such as Landwasser Viaduct, has been formally recognised by [[UNESCO]], having been placed on a World Heritage list.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.rhb.ch/en/world-of-railway-experiences/unesco-world-heritage-rhb/landwasser-express |title = Landwasser-Express |publisher = Rhaetian Railway |accessdate = 20 April 2020}}</ref><ref name = "isoltravel"/>
{{clear}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery perrow=5>
<gallery class=center>
File:2007 10 Albulabahn 01 Tiefencastel Filisur 02.JPG|Approaching from [[Tiefencastel]].
File:2007 10 Albulabahn 01 Tiefencastel Filisur 02.JPG|Approaching from [[Tiefencastel]].
File:CH_Landwasser_1.jpg|[[Glacier Express]] panorama cars entering the Landwasser Tunnel.
File:CH_Landwasser_1.jpg|[[Glacier Express]] panorama cars entering the Landwasser Tunnel.
File:Viadukt Landwasser.jpg|View from the road.
File:Viadukt Landwasser.jpg|View from the road.
File:Landwasserviadukt rot.jpg|During renovations, summer 2009.
File:Landwasserviadukt, aerial photography from northeast 2.jpg|View from northeast.
File:Landwasser viaduct 01.jpg|With red cover during renovations
File:Landwasser viaduct 01.jpg|With red cover during renovations
</gallery>
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Trains|Bridges|Switzerland}}
{{Portal|Trains|Transport|Engineering|Switzerland}}
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order ♦♦♦--->
*[[Glacier Express]]
*[[Bernina Express]]
*[[Albula Railway]]
*[[Arch bridge]]
*[[Arch bridge]]
*[[Viaduct]]
*[[Bernina Express]]
*[[Schmitten, Graubünden]]
*[[Schmittentobel Viaduct]]
*[[Filisur (Rhaetian Railway station)]]
*[[Filisur (Rhaetian Railway station)]]
*[[Albula Railway]]
*[[Glacier Express]]
*[[Rhaetian Railway]]
*[[Rhaetian Railway]]
*[[Schmitten, Graubünden]]
*[[Schmittentobel Viaduct]]


==References==
==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
*See <!--also--> the <!--list of--> references in [[:de:Landwasserviadukt#Quellen|Landwasserviadukt]] (de Wikipedia) {{de-icon}}
*See <!--also--> the <!--list of--> references in [[:de:Landwasserviadukt#Quellen|Landwasserviadukt]] (de Wikipedia) {{in lang|de}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
* Talbot, Frederick A. "Railway Wonders of the World." Books on Demand, 2012. {{ISBN|3-8460-0527-4}}.
* Troyano, Leonardo Fernández. "Bridge Engineering: A Global Perspective." Thomas Telford, 2003. {{ISBN|0-7277-3215-3}}.
{{refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Landwasserviadukt|Landwasser Viaduct}}
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* {{Brueckenweb | id = 64 | title = Landwasserviadukt}}
* {{Brueckenweb | id = 64 | title = Landwasserviadukt}}
* {{Structurae | id = s0025523 | title = Landwasser Viaduct }}
* {{Structurae | id = 20025523 | title = Landwasser Viaduct }}


{{RhB structures}}
{{RhB structures}}
Line 112: Line 119:
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Graubünden]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Graubünden]]
[[Category:Bridges completed in 1902]]
[[Category:Bridges completed in 1902]]
[[Category:1902 establishments in Switzerland]]
[[Category:Bergün Filisur]]
[[Category:Schmitten, Graubünden]]
[[Category:20th-century architecture in Switzerland]]

Latest revision as of 03:25, 20 March 2024

Landwasser Viaduct

Landwasserviadukt
A train crossing the viaduct
View from above
Coordinates46°40′51″N 9°40′33″E / 46.68083°N 9.67583°E / 46.68083; 9.67583
CarriesRhaetian Railway (RhB)
CrossesLandwasser
LocaleSchmitten and Filisur, Switzerland
Official nameLandwasserviadukt
OwnerRhaetian Railway (RhB)
Maintained byRhaetian Railway (RhB)
Heritage statusUNESCO World Heritage Albula Railway
Characteristics
DesignViaduct
MaterialLimestone
Total length136 m (446 ft)
Height65 m (213 ft)
Longest span20 m (66 ft)
No. of spanssix
Piers in water0
History
DesignerAlexander Acatos
Constructed byMüller & Zeerleder
Construction startMarch 1901
Construction end1902
Construction costCHF 280,000 (1902)
OpenedOctober 1902
Rebuilt2009 renovation during full usage (CHF 4.6 Million)
Statistics
Daily traffic30 passenger trains, few freight trains
Standort
Map

The Landwasser Viaduct (German: Landwasserviadukt) is a single-track six-arched curved limestone railway viaduct. It spans the Landwasser between Schmitten and Filisur, in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland.

Designed by Alexander Acatos, the Landwasser Viaduct was constructed between 1901 and 1902 by Müller & Zeerleder on behalf of the Rhaetian Railway, which both owns and operates it through to the present day. A signature structure of the World Heritage-listed Albula Railway, it is 65 metres (213 ft) high, 136 metres (446 ft) long; its southeastern abutment connects directly to the Landwasser Tunnel.[1] During 2009, the Landwasser Viaduct underwent renovation work for the first time since its original construction.

Standort

[edit]
Aerial recording of Landwasser Viaduct.

The Landwasser Viaduct, composed of dark limestone, forms part of the Albula Railway section between Tiefencastel and Filisur, and is at the 63.070 kilometres (39.190 mi) mark from Thusis.

To passengers on trains approaching the viaduct from Tiefencastel and Alvaneu on the Albula Railway, the viaduct becomes visible from quite some distance away. The first major feature to be reached on that approach is the Schmittentobel Viaduct, which itself is of considerable size. Then, while crossing the curved Landwasser Viaduct, passengers can observe the front of the train heading into the Landwasser Tunnel.[2] On the other side of the tunnel, the separate line from Davos Platz forms a junction with the Albula Railway just as both lines arrive in Filisur. Shortly before reaching that junction point, passengers on the Davos–Filisur line can experience a view of the viaduct from the northeast.

Technical details

[edit]

One of the striking features of the Landwasser Viaduct is its highly pronounced curve, which has a radius of 100 metres (328 ft), the minimum used throughout the whole railway.[3][4] It possesses a height of 65 metres (213 ft) and a length of 142 metres (466 ft).[5] The viaduct's masonry is approximately 9,200 cubic metres (12,000 cu yd) in volume and is jointed with dolomitic limestone.[2] It comprises six arch spans, 20 metres (66 ft) in width, resting on five high pillars; the arches themselves are flat.[6]

The Landwasser Viaduct carries a single railway track, which has a gradient of 2 percent across the structure. The southeastern abutment of the Landwasser Viaduct is located on a high cliff, and at that point, the tracks lead directly into the 216-metre (709 ft) long Landwasser Tunnel.[7] The tunnel's entrance is positioned on a vertical rock wall, having been purposefully aligned with the viaduct.[5] It was considered to be a challenging architectural feat of its era, and its construction employed several innovative techniques.[5][8]

Construction of the Landwasser Viaduct commenced during 1901 and was completed during the following year.[5] Designed by Alexander Acatos for the Rhaetian Railway, its construction was undertaken by Müller & Zeerleder.[8] The viaduct's construction was performed without the use of scaffolding, instead employing two cranes.[5] The limestone pillars were built up around a steel-reinforced core.[8] During 2009, 106 years after its completion, the masonry and track trough of the viaduct were repaired for the very first time.[9][5] To facilitate this renovation, modular scaffolding was temporarily erected around the Landwasser Viaduct.[10]

[edit]

The Landwasser Viaduct briefly appears as a bridge which was destroyed by Rasputin's minions in the 1997 animated film Anastasia. The portrayal was of a taller, 4-storey viaduct very similar to a Roman aqueduct but set in Poland. It also appears within the first couple of minutes of the film “A Cure for Wellness”.[11] Since 2008, the cultural importance of the railway, and features such as Landwasser Viaduct, has been formally recognised by UNESCO, having been placed on a World Heritage list.[12][8]

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ Graham, Adam H. (19 June 2014). "The Swiss train tourists don't take. National Parks, Switzerland". BBC - Travel. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
  2. ^ a b "Landwasser Viaduct, Graubünden, Switzerland". Pinlovely.com. 2013. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
  3. ^ Talbot 2012, p. 303.
  4. ^ Troyano 2003, pp. 237-238.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "Rhaetian Railways Landwasser Viaduct". myswitzerland.com. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  6. ^ Troyano 2003, p. 238.
  7. ^ Jowaheer, Roshina (2 January 2020). "Is the Bernina Express the most spectacular railway journey in Europe?". goodhousekeeping.com.
  8. ^ a b c d "Facts About Landwasser Viaduct". isolatedtraveller.com. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  9. ^ "The Glory of Stone". swissinfo.ch. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  10. ^ Valerii, Viunov (2011). "Comparison of Scaffolding systems in Finland and Russia" (PDF). Saimaa University of Applied Sciences.
  11. ^ "Filming Location Matching "Landwasser Viaduct, Filisur, Graubünden, Switzerland" (Sorted by Popularity Ascending)". imdb.com. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  12. ^ "Landwasser-Express". Rhaetian Railway. Retrieved 20 April 2020.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Talbot, Frederick A. "Railway Wonders of the World." Books on Demand, 2012. ISBN 3-8460-0527-4.
  • Troyano, Leonardo Fernández. "Bridge Engineering: A Global Perspective." Thomas Telford, 2003. ISBN 0-7277-3215-3.
[edit]